VHSIC (Very High Speed Integrated Circuit) Applications in EW/ESM (Electronic Warfare/Electronic Support Measures),
Abstract
The choke-point of data flow in almost every EW/ESM system is the pre-processor. Most ESM systems deal with this condition in several ways: (1) restrict sensitivity to decrease the pulse environment; (2) sample the environment either through scanning receivers, antennas, or processors. These restrictions impose a compromise on EW/ESM systems that: (1) limit the defense perimeter; (2) restrict defenses against Low Probability of Intecept (LPI) emitters; (3) limit RF band coverage; (4) restrict operation in high density signal environemnts. Custom and special purpose processors are expensive and often easily compromised. The most effective (cost and system) processor for EW/ESM would be a high throughput general purpose microprocessor that could be easily programmed for system needs. Analysis has shown that throughput is basically a function of memory speed matched to Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) speed. Memory speeds have been the principle restrictions on throughput. Special purpose and custom processors have sought to circumvent these restrictions but only at the cost of other undesirable restrictions mention above. With VHSIC technology, there is finally a technology that will permit the high throughput general processor required in EW/ESM.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA142562
Entities
People
- L. W. Lemley
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory